More Slow Cooker Beans

"This bean side dish always draws compliments," relates Susanne Wasson of Montgomery, New York. "Because it's easy to fix ahead and simmer in the slow cooker, it's convenient to take to potlucks and church meals."

This recipe is popular on both sides of the border. It came from a friend in Alaska, then traveled with me to old Mexico, where I lived for 5 years, and is now a potluck favorite in my Arkansas community. It's easy to keep the beans warm and serve from a slow cooker.
-Barbara Short, Mena, Arkansas

This sweet and tangy side dish uses lots of convenient canned goods, so it’s a snap to throw together. “The recipe was sent to me by a friend,” says Barbara Gordon of Roswell, Georgia. “It’s nice to serve at a group picnic.” TIP: “This dish can be cooked in the oven instead. Cover and bake in a 350° oven for 40 minutes. Remove cover and cook 10 minutes longer.”

They’ll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe, full of campfire flavor. A variation on colorful calico beans, it makes a great side dish with all your cookout favorites.—Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia

A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted these slightly sweet baked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served this and shared the recipe many times since.
-Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia

Most members of my family would agree that no picnic is complete until these delicious beans have made their appearance. Preparing them in a slow cooker makes them easy to transport to any gathering. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

With so many folks moving to meatless or healthier food choices, I decided to remove the meat from the original recipe but turn up the flavor. The savory veggie blend balances the sweetness of the baked beans. —David Dixon, Shaker Heights, OH

I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total five 15- to 16-ounce cans. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan